Experience The Best Of The River Walk On This Boat Tour In Texas
By Katie Lawrence|Published March 28, 2018
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Katie Lawrence
Author
Katie Lawrence is a Southeast Texas native who graduated 18th in her high school class with a GPA of 4.25. She attended college in the Houston area and began writing for OnlyInYourState in 2015.
Today, Katie writes, edits, and performs several other tasks for OnlyInYourState and has never been more passionate about a job before. Outside of work, you can likely find her curled up on with a hot cup of coffee, practicing yoga, baking, or exploring the beautiful Lone Star State (in particular, the vast and mystical West Texas desert).
We all love the San Antonio River Walk. Between the rich history, lively Mexican culture, and hundreds of restaurants and shops scattered up and down the street, there’s enough to do here to fill an entire day. The only problem is all the walking involved – sometimes we don’t get to visit all the places we otherwise would have if they weren’t so far apart.
Go Rio Cruises has provided a solution to that dilemma. These colorful gondolas will transport you to wherever you need to go on the River Walk – plus, you’ll get to hear all about its history and learn the significance behind important landmarks along the way. Who’s ready to hop on board?
There are two different types of cruises available: narrated and river shuttles. The narrated cruise lasts 35 minutes, departs every 15 minutes from 9am-10pm, and holds up to 40 passengers.
Beginning with Santa Anna and the Battle of the Alamo and continuing throughout the city's history, this cruise is a story about one of the most culturally rich cities in Texas.
As you pass important landmarks, your tour guide will explain their significance and purpose. The famous bridge on the River Walk, for example, is known as "Selena's Bridge" because Tejano superstar Selena's husband proposed to her at this very location in the movie. The majestic Hyatt Regency Hotel was constructed in such a way that it wouldn't cast a shadow on the Alamo at sunset. These places and many more along the tour will teach you things you never knew about San Antonio and give you a much deeper appreciation for the city.
The shuttles run daily from 10am to 9pm and depart approximately every hour. You can hop on at any GO RIO shuttle sign and get dropped off anywhere from downtown to Museum Reach. Passes can be purchased for one day, three days, or an entire month if you're a Bexar County resident who visits often enough to make it worthwhile.
If you think you've seen the River Walk in all its majesty, think again. The boats are illuminated after the sun sets, casting a dim glow on the water that only adds to the mystique and romanticism of the cruise.
Specialty tours such as dinner and cocktail cruises also take place from time to time. Be sure to stay up to date with the website for more information about upcoming rides.
